Worldly Influence 12/31/2010
 It is December 31, the last day of 2010. I woke this morning with a small list of To-Dos, but mostly, I planned to review my annual plan, pray, sip coffee, and crochet--and not in that order. I took care of my personal business. Read the word. Then I made my way to the computer. I pressed “Play” on my Praise and Worship playlist and readied myself for my few office tasks. What happened next shook me to my core. I somehow landed on a YouTube video where an extremely prominent American leader held a conversation that led a discussion as to whether Jesus is the only way. A commenter in the audience said, “Yes!”. The discussion leader disagreed and decided “not to have a religious debate.” Hum… I then saw another video that featured several acclaimed musicians and it appeared to glorify darkness. It, in the most graphic fashion, illuminated pride. My plans were not to write this post today, but God had other plans for my morning. These videos have unnerved me because they surfaced after talking with my husband about the work God has for us. We discussed it at length. We walked away excited, full of encouragement and thankful to God for trusting us with such a task. I went for an extreme high to being smacked in the face by reality. I watched the videos and my heart ached, literally. Why? I wish I could fully communicate it, but I can’t. However, I will say this. God We are called to boldly proclaim God’s word to everyone. Everyone. In the past, I thought loving others and living my life according to God’s word was enough. Watching these videos slapped me awake because if the world is viewing this overt displays of lust, pride, and selfish actions I have to consider my role. What am I doing to ensure they know about the price Jesus paid for our lives? That His love is real. How am I ensuring that they know He is the only way? We as God’s people must boldly share His message. We cannot compromise. I believe living a quiet life only concerned about the people around me was a compromise. I could have done more. When you know better, you do better. I know. It's time to show! Passage: 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) (Read Online) (15) Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. (17) The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. ConsiderJournal and/or reflect on the following questions:
My Prayer Father, Thank you for this moment of clarity. Thank you for this moment and outward manifestation of the state of things as you may see it. The times that we live in. The need for your presence and your word. But most of all, the need for your salvation. I ask God to make me usable for your purpose. That I will not be timid. That I too will be all things to all men, so that You might save some. That I boldly share the gospel and that my actions conform to your purpose. And I pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know You better. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Add Comment Flawed Helpmate 10/17/2010
 I watched an interesting movie yesterday, "Diary of a Tired Black Man". I immediately thought I would see a Tyler Perry clone, but it was far from what I expected. The “movie” is a documentary with fictionalized scenarios addressing the manner in which black men and black women interact in relationships. The movie was mentioned during a brief discussion at bible study and I thought I’d check it out to unwind a bit. Parts were overly dramatic. I found myself laughing at the outbursts, put off by the foul language, yet nodding in agreement at the accurate attempts to share the core of the issues between men and women. As I powered down my DVD player compared my thoughts about the highs and lows expressed in the movie to the men and women in the bible. My mind is overflowing with the word right now, since I am participating in the Bible in 90 days program. Before signing on to the program I had read much of the bible; however, reading the word daily and in such close proximity has changed me. I find myself surprised, shocked, amazed, enthralled at what I'm reading. My time reading has opened the floodgates to introspection, self-evaluation, and an awareness of God that I plan to share with you another day. Today, I’d like to consider my role as a wife, furthermore, my power as a woman to the man in my life, which is my husband for almost 12 years. The women in the bible yielded such power—physical and mental--over the men in their lives much like the men in the movie. I could name many women from the bible but I will identify a few: Eve, Delilah and Bathsheba. I’ve read their stories before, but I doubt whether I viewed their situations from the lens of relationships between a man and a woman. Furthermore, the consequences bore by Adam, Samson, and David. It made me consider, how do I, as a wife, build my husband up and what do I that can tear him down. As his helpmate, I was created as a companion and we are joined as one before God. Whether I’m praying or arguing with my husband I am a direct reflection of him. What I do to him, I am doing to myself. Thus, I am undoubtedly uplifting or degrading myself and the unity that God created in our marriage. Passage: Ephesians 5:25 - 33 (NIV) (Read Online)(25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (26) to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, (27) and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (28) In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. (29) After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— (30) for we are members of his body. (31) "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." (32) This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. (33) However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. ConsiderJournal and/or reflect on the following questions:
My PrayerHeavenly Father, As my helper, Lord help me honor my husband and our marriage because you have made us one. Help me to see my faults and need for forgiveness. Help me remember that in flesh and spirit we are yours. That we have great strength and power in you and our covenant brings us closer to each other and you. Lord help us keep our faith in you and to love each others as you love. In Jesus' Name, Amen. | About Dana
Dana Pittman is a wife, mother, author, speaker, teacher, friend, crocheter, runner...oh goodness, the list could continue. Here, you will have access to the workings of her mind and she'll share her beliefs, passions...the meditations of her heart. CategoriesAll BOOKS
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